ELON, N.C. –– Elon formally retired the jerseys of all-time great men's basketball players Jesse Branson and Tommy Cole at halftime of Saturday's game in Alumni Gym.  

Branson played at Elon from 1961-65 and wore the number 40.  Branson was Elon's first basketball All-American and was the first player ever to exceed 2,000 career points.  He was an all conference performer for four years and concluded his last two seasons with all-state, all-district and NAIA All-American honors.  In his senior season, he was named co-captain and would go on to lead the conference in scoring and rebounding.  In doing so, he was named Carolina Conference tournament and regular-season most valuable player.

During his career, he set a total of 17 Elon basketball records of which 14 still stand today.  Most notably, Branson still holds records for career point (2, 241), career rebounds (1,969) and season point (780/26.9 ppg).  For his accomplishments, Branson was recognized as Elon's Basnight Award winner for the most outstanding athlete at Elon.  He went on to play professionally with the Philadelphia 76ers and would later be inducted into the Elon Sports Hall of Fame.

"It's a great honor.  To see all the guys I played with and even some who played before me," said Branson of having his jersey retired during the 100 Season of Elon Basketball celebration.

Cole wore number 34 in the maroon and gold from 1968 until 1972 and would become only the second player in school history to score over 2,000 career points.

The unselfish play of Cole allowed him to hold the top spot in the Elon record book with 705 assists - a record which still stands today.  He led the team in scoring and earned all-conference recognition for three years and was named Carolinas Conference MVP.  He was named all-state, all-district and NAIA All-American in his final two seasons.

Captain of the team his junior and senior seasons, Cole was recognized as a two-time Basnight winner.  He was drafted by the Boston Celtics of the NBA and was later inducted into the Elon Sports Hall of Fame.

"It's the greatest moment of my life," said Cole.  "I've waited 37 years for this moment.  It's the greatest accomplishment that an athlete can achieve."